Sing Psalms, Hymns, And Spiritual Songs

Sometimes, it seems, we can share the Word of God and His love with all that we have in our inner being; but, it reaches deaf ears. It is met with rudeness and even anger. There are many who just do not know how to react to genuine love.

What to do about this? We are to continue sharing the Word with all who will listen. Do not be afraid of slander or any kind of vicious attacks. Rather, continue to: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." Col 3:15 NRSV

Remember that you are a child of God and He will be with you always, no matter what befalls you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trees Of The Forest Rejoice!

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!
    The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
    He will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth
    rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord; for he is coming,
    for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with his truth.
                                       Psalm 96:10-13 NRSV

The Lord is King! Like a strong tree firmly rooted in the ground are the children of God. There is not a thing that can cut us down. There may be attempts; but, we will not be moved. We shall stand firmly on the Word of God who is Jesus the Christ.

Many shall try! But, no axe can harm us. There is no wind or storm that can take us down for we have been rooted in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Col 2:6-7) What a relief that day will bring to God's children; no more unjust persecution, no more tears or sorrow, just joy in God's presence.

So, even as the fields exult; let all God's children sing for joy with the trees of the forest as we wait for his coming to judge the earth with his righteousness and truth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 2:13-21 Get To Know The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:13-21 NIV
No, the disciples were not drunk with wine at 9 a.m. on that day of Pentecost. They were filled with the Holy Spirit just as is was spoken of by the prophet Joel. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and the Spirit did.

“In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy." (vs 17-18)

I've never quite been sure how it is that the day of Pentecost is taken so lightly in so many congregations in the United States (and probably around the world). It is the day that the power of the Holy Spirit was given to the followers to do the will of God; to proclaim the Kingdom of God, through Christ Jesus. No wonder it is so difficult for so many to understand the Trinity. We teach so little about who the Holy Spirit is. Just as we are to be in relationship with God the Father and God the Son, so we can also be in relationship with God the Holy Spirit.

I remember the day I finally got to know the Holy Spirit. I don't mean know who the Holy Spirit is; but, really "meet and greet" the Holy Spirit. I smiled for at least a week straight. The joy within me simply could not be extinguished. I was almost like a drunk person walking around; except, that I wasn't doing really stupid things. It was a very hard time in my life; yet, the Spirit of Christ led me and comforted me, giving me strength when I needed it the most.

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which
leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord..." (Eph 5:17-19)

Ask the Lord to help you know the Holy Spirit. "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 149 - Sing and Dance to the LORD

"Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people." (Psalm 149:1 NIV)

I spent the week-end at an LCMC Youth Retreat at a waterpark at Three Bears Lodge in Warrens, WI. What joy! I hate the drive, but it is so good to see the young people have fun.  Some of them played in the waterpark; most of them were in the arcade; they made dresses out of pillowcases to send to children in need; they filled packs with goodies for military personnel overseas. They sang and they danced during Worship.  There was even a dance for them. A few of them went, but only a couple stayed as the rest could not tolerate the music or the crowd. It is very hard to actually be present with someone when it is so loud. Rather than go to the dance, they did what I really enjoy most seeing them do. They hung around in our rooms fellowshipping together. What I really rejoice in seeing most is our young people spending time together. They seemed to be enjoying that time with one another.

Yes, there was "horsing around." It was all in good fun. But, the respect and the caring they have for one another was also obvious. I rejoice in the LORD, this morning, for He has given us some really awesome young people to share our lives with, to share our stories with, to walk beside, and to lead in the way that they should go.

And... I hope they keep singing and dancing, rejoicing in the LORD, all the days of their lives.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 149:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 9

Cross references:

1. Psalm 149:1 : Ps 33:2; 103:1
2. Psalm 149:1 : S Ps 28:7; S 96:1; Rev 5:9
3. Psalm 149:1 : S Ps 1:5
4. Psalm 149:2 : Isa 13:3; Jer 51:48
5. Psalm 149:2 : S Job 10:3; Ps 95:6; Isa 44:2; 45:11; 54:5
6. Psalm 149:2 : Ps 10:16; 47:6; Isa 32:1; Zec 9:9
7. Psalm 149:3 : S Ex 15:20
8. Psalm 149:3 : S Ps 57:8
9. Psalm 149:4 : Ps 35:27; 147:11
10. Psalm 149:4 : Ps 132:16
11. Psalm 149:5 : S Ps 132:16
12. Psalm 149:5 : Job 35:10; Ps 42:8
13. Psalm 149:6 : Ps 66:17
14. Psalm 149:6 : Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16
15. Psalm 149:6 : Ne 4:17
16. Psalm 149:7 : S Nu 31:3; S Dt 32:41
17. Psalm 149:7 : Ps 81:15
18. Psalm 149:8 : S 2Sa 3:34; S Isa 14:1-2
19. Psalm 149:8 : 2Ch 33:11
20. Psalm 149:9 : Dt 7:1; Eze 28:26
21. Psalm 149:9 : S Ps 145:10

 

Psalm 126 - Paradise Restored

Have you ever found something treasured that had been lost?  Have you ever felt like you were in the deepest, darkest valley and suddenly everything changed and you were on a mountaintop dancing in the sunlight and giddy as you breathed the mountain fresh air?

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, that's how they felt. They were filled with joy. They sang and danced for the LORD had done a marvelous thing. They proclaimed it to the world and the world acknowledged this great thing that God had done for His children.

God has done a marvelous thing.  He sent His Son, that all who believe in Him, would not perish, but live eternally in His Kingdom, in His presence! Let us sing and dance for joy.  Let us proclaim the good news that He has restored us to Paradise through His only begotten Son! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 96 - Praising God For Completed Annual Reports

"Sing to the LORD, praise his name!" (vs 2 NIV) 

Today is a marvelous day.  January tends to be one of the most tiring months for me. There is so little sunlight up here and it is usually really cold.  But, so far we haven't had any frozen water pipes.  Thanks be to God! 

January is that full month after the Advent and celebration of Christmas and before we begin Lent.  One would think we would slow down and take a break at the church.  One would think that I might get to hibernate - like an old bear - crawl into a hole and hibernate for a couple of weeks.  But, no.  January is tends to be even busier and more hectic than either Advent or Lent.  It is the month that all the annual reports have to be done.  They are due to the congregation this Sunday.  And... here's the good news!  I am down to filling out the total expenses for the year 2012 in the Budget Report.  Then that's it.  The office secretary will finish it up on Friday and everyone will have them on Sunday morning when the come to Worship.  Thanks be to God!  I sing to the LORD and praise His name for it is almost finished for another year!

It is not the annual meeting that is difficult. We always have an awesome turn-out for the meeting and for the pot-luck fellowship following.  It is the preparation for the meeting that is so very time consuming. I am a very poor proof-reader so I am constantly wondering what it is that I am missing.  Thanks be to God for a council secretary who is a great proof-reader and has a better memory than mine!  She is able to catch my and everyone else's mistakes and omissions before they go to print.

Today, I give thanks to God and praise His name, for my part of these reports will be done before noon. No matter what the season, there is always something to be thankful for.  God has given us many precious gifts to enjoy even in this world.  So sing always to the LORD, praising His Holy Name. "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among the peoples." (vs 3)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Psalm 92 - Sing Praises All Day Long

These psalms just seem to run together.  One enhancing what was said the day before and will be said tomorrow.  So "ditto" yesterday's blog...

So, give thanks to the LORD for He is good.  He blesses those love Him. He makes us glad by the works of His hands.  We praise Him morning, noon, and night.  I use to sing God's praises a lot.  It didn't matter where I was.  If I felt like singing a hymn, I sang. But, not everyone appreciates my singing, so now it sounds more like I'm mumbling under my breath. I'm thinking it's probably foolish of me to let what others think of my singing, stop me from singing.  It is time to start singing, again.  I do not care who smiles at me like I'm someone to be pitied.  I do not care who thinks I'm embarrassing myself or them.  The LORD is good and it is good for us to proclaim His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night! There is never a time that we cannot sing His praises.

Let the wicked shake their heads in dismay at those who praise the LORD.  They will perish in their lack of understanding. But, let all God's people praise Him and declare His glorious deeds!

God's Peace - Pr. J 

P.S. It is Sunday morning.  See you all at Worship where we can sing His praises together!

Psalm 87 - Zion

God establishes His Holy City.  He decides whose name will be written as a resident of Zion.  He records the names of people who acknowledge Him on the register and they will dwell in His Kingdom. 

The Bible records this city as Zion.  I remember, a great-uncle of my husband's who passed away many years ago.  He was a wonderful character.  In his last years his main topic of conversation was Holy Zion.  He could not wait.  He was anxious to live in that city.  It was kind of amazing to me that not everyone around him understood what he was talking about.  They had no clue what this Zion was. Sadly, these people were Christian.  A Christian without  hope of Zion?  Can that be? 

As I visit many elderly today, often our conversations are directed to that Holy City, Zion, the place of God's habitation, the place that has been prepared for all who believe, no matter who they are or where they are from, through the blood of Jesus Christ, our LORD.  These visits are most pleasant to me.  It is good to hear that I am not the only one who has this hope of eternal life.

Rejoice! Make music and sing aloud for the promise of Zion is for you and for all who would believe!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 68 - Power and Strength

"You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!" (Psalm 68:35 NIV)

 

Today's reading (and I hope you are actually reading the scripture each day!) is a wonderful affirmation of God's power in the lives of His children.  He gives power and strength to His children.  Sometimes, it seems that He's a little slow in coming to our aid. But, once the trouble is past, we can usually see how His timing was perfect for the most blessed outcome.

 

I am reminded of the faith of the mustard seed.  The disciples wondered why they could not drive out a demon from a man.  Jesus told them, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20)  Imagine that!  First off, does a mustard seed really have faith or is it, maybe, because the mustard seed is totally dependent on God for life and growth?  Secondly, Jesus is telling us that all things are possible with faith. I believe this.  I have seen it happen over and over again. And... with faith, by trusting God, good things do come about - in His time, according to His will.  God will defend His children. Healing of all kinds takes place. 

 

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,
    sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,

    who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,

    whose majesty is over Israel,

    whose power is in the heavens.
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
    the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

                                                (Psalm 68:32-35)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 59 - Dance and Sing Praises!

Whoa... Yet, another lamentation!  How blessed I feel this morning not to be able to understand where such a desire for vengeance could come from. 

I fell asleep with music in my head, last night.  I don't listen to a lot of music.  There's a conflict in my house over which genre is best so music isn't played much in the home, any more, especially when we're at home at the same time.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, though.

Last night, as I feel asleep, the "Lord of the Dance" (lyrics by Sydney Carter) kept playing in my head. 

   "Dance, dance, wherever you may be
   I am the lord of the dance, said he
   And I lead you all, wherever you may be
   And I lead you all in the dance, said he"

And this morning, the song swirling around in my head was a Garth Brooks song, "Standing outside the Fire."

   "Standing outside the fire 
   Standing outside the fire
   Life is not tried, it is merely survived
   If you're standing outside the fire"

Waking up to music in my head, for a change, gave me a bit of food for thought.  Why?  Doesn't happen much.  And... these two songs?  Why?  Was I, am I, in danger of stepping outside His refining fires or dancing outside the fire of His Love.  Or... maybe the Lord of the dance is trying to lead me farther inside the fire?    And... wondering what kind of journey that might be. 

We ponder our journey in this world (at least I do).  What does it mean?  No matter where we are led, as we follow in the footsteps of our LORD, may God help us to complain less and sing more, for He is our strength and our fortress, our God in whom we trust.

"You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely." (Psalm 59:17 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr J.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 59:1 : 1Sa 19:11
2. Psalm 59:1 : Ps 143:9
3. Psalm 59:1 : S Ps 20:1
4. Psalm 59:2 : Ps 14:4; 36:12; 53:4; 92:7; 94:16
5. Psalm 59:2 : S Ps 26:9; 139:19; Pr 29:10
6. Psalm 59:3 : S Ps 56:6
7. Psalm 59:4 : Ps 119:3
8. Psalm 59:4 : Mt 5:11
9. Psalm 59:4 : S Ps 13:3
10. Psalm 59:5 : Ps 69:6; 80:4; 84:8
11. Psalm 59:5 : S Ps 44:23
12. Psalm 59:5 : S Ps 9:5; S Isa 10:3
13. Psalm 59:5 : Jer 18:23
14. Psalm 59:6 : ver 14; Ps 22:16
15. Psalm 59:7 : Ps 94:4; Pr 10:32; 12:23; 15:2, 28
16. Psalm 59:7 : S Ps 55:21
17. Psalm 59:7 : S Job 22:13
18. Psalm 59:8 : Ps 37:13; Pr 1:26
19. Psalm 59:8 : Ps 2:4
20. Psalm 59:9 : S Ps 18:1
21. Psalm 59:9 : Ps 9:9; 18:2; 62:2; 71:3
22. Psalm 59:11 : Ps 3:3; 84:9
23. Psalm 59:11 : Dt 4:9; 6:12
24. Psalm 59:11 : Ps 89:10; 106:27; 144:6; Isa 33:3
25. Psalm 59:12 : Ps 10:7
26. Psalm 59:12 : Ps 64:8; Pr 10:14; 12:13
27. Psalm 59:12 : Isa 2:12; 5:15; Zep 3:11
28. Psalm 59:13 : Ps 104:35
29. Psalm 59:13 : Ps 83:18
30. Psalm 59:15 : Job 15:23
31. Psalm 59:16 : Ps 108:1
32. Psalm 59:16 : S 1Sa 2:10
33. Psalm 59:16 : Ps 5:3; 88:13
34. Psalm 59:16 : Ps 101:1
35. Psalm 59:16 : S 2Sa 22:3
36. Psalm 59:16 : S Dt 4:30
37. Psalm 59:17 : ver 10

Psalm 33 - Singing

Sing to the LORD a new song!

I got up a bit earlier than usual today, made some coffee, checked out facebook, read Psalm 33 and am thinking that today would be a good day to sing to the LORD...  Actually, every day is a good day to sing to the LORD.  I love to sing.  Problem is:  not many around me like me to sing.  My granddaughter says I sing like a man.  I'm a couple octaves lower than your average woman.  I'm thinking my voice is unique.  But, for the sake of others, I usually just sing when there aren't too many people around.  Course, there are the times when I break out in singing God's praises when everyone is least expecting it.  Sometimes, I even dance to it.  I do get a few sideways glances when I do that, especially in places like Walmart.  But, I get strange looks even at church when I sing and sway to the music. It's OK. I'm getting use to that.  My granddaughter (and some of the Sunday School) just look at me kind of strange.  I get these looks like "don't you think you should stop?" But, I think they're getting use to it, too.

Singing is good, whether you're singing in the choir (they usually don't invite me to sing in choirs) or at home alone.  Singing helps us to express our inmost thoughts and feelings.  What is hidden deep down inside of us, comes to the light through words. 

We breathe the words.  It was through the breath of God that all things were made.  He spoke and it was.  It came to be.

Words can hurt.  We need to be cautious that we're not destroying others with our words.  But, singing to the LORD, singing His praises, now that's a good thing.  Sing the praises of God.  Sing praises to the LORD. Use your words wisely, put them to song and give glory to the Word, who is God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, this day and everyday even as you trust in His holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 10 - Help Quickly

Help! Help! Help!  Help quicker dear, LORD! 

How often do we wait to see the answer to our afflictions - the answer that we want?  David, too, wanted to see the LORD's deliverance quickly.  But, it doesn't always happen that way.  God's time is not our time.  He had has plan.  But, we can be assured that the LORD does indeed see our suffering and hear the desire of the afflicted; encouraging us and listenig to our cry.  (vs 17 NIV)  We are confident that God is with us and in the end God will see our salvation.  God will save us from our trouble.

But, the wicked see no such thing.  They continue to persecute those who serve the LORD.  God sees this, too.  His hand will prevail.  God is God and He will prevail.  He will deliver His children from their afflictions and persecutions.

Have comfort in the knowledge that God is working things out for the good of those who love Him.  (Rom 8:28) We will sing and dance in the LORD's house.  His will be done.

God's Peace - Pr. J